Picnics in Hyde Park- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The last story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore! The perfect novel for reading in the sunshine… and falling in love with London.

A summer to remember…or forget?

When Zoe Harper returns to the UK after five long years in New York, the last thing she expects is to find her younger sister Melody jobless, homeless, broke and dumped. Unfortunately, life has a way of delivering the unexpected. She should know that, given her ex-fiancé Greg’s faithless behaviour.

Filled with rage and determined to get revenge on the infamous Reilly brothers for her sister’s heartbreak, as well as get some answers, Zoe hatches plan Nannygate. Unfortunately that means moving in with the gorgeous but uncaring music producer Matt Reilly to be nanny to his two adorable, complicated children. But something isn’t adding up, and over the course of the hot London summer, she starts to think that perhaps Matt isn’t so bad after all.

Let down by his last nanny and weighed down with guilt about his wife’s death three years before, wealthy but camera-shy Matt has spent a long time pushing people away, including his own kids. His stunning new nanny challenges him every single day in completely different ways, but maybe that isn’t such a bad thing?

But what happens when you open your heart, and someone isn’t who you thought they were? And can it really be true love when it’s on the rebound, and starts off with a plan for revenge?

The Review

2015 could quite possibly be renamed 'the year I raved about Nikki Moore's Love London series'.  I'm pretty sure everyone I know is sick of me saying how much I enjoyed the five novella length books (my favourite being Valentine's on Primrose Hill ).  I featured Picnics in Hyde Park as my Waiting on Wednesday a few weeks ago and I was so excited to be able to read the final instalment of the series at last.

This time we're following Zoe and Matt's story.  After Zoe's sister Melody is rapidly dismissed from her job as nanny to Matt's children without so much as an explanation, Zoe is keen to get revenge.  When the opportunity arises to take over Melody's position, she grabs it with both hands, keen to gain information that will bring him into disrepute.  However, the more she gets to know Matt, the more she likes him...can she follow through with her plan?  Or will love get in the way?

I really enjoyed this novel length book and found myself getting swept along by the plot, especially the story about Matt's late wife Helen. I really wanted to know exactly what had happened to her!  Whilst not a mystery as such, there were clues dropped in alluding to how she died and I was desperate to know why Matt clammed up every time she was mentioned.   Matt's children were adorable, I wanted to wrap Aimee up and give her a hug and tell her everything would be OK in the end. 

It was also fabulous to find out a little bit more about the characters met in previous Love London books, Nikki Moore managed to cleverly weave them into Picnics in Hyde Park without it being clumsy or clunky. 

The romance and relationship between Zoe and Matt sizzled and there were some red hot scenes between the two of them, especially with the wool jacket involved!  All in all they were a likable couple and the fact there were some snarky comments and disagreements made them more believable.

The only niggle for me was when things that were obvious were being spelled out, especially in relation to childcare, safeguarding and education.  I'm not sure if this was irritating to me because my day job is in childcare or because it felt a bit unnecessary, but that was the only negative for me in what was a highly enjoyable novel. 

I'm reluctant to say farewell to this series, but can only thank Nikki Moore for writing her heart out to produce contemporary romances which are a love story of a couple within a love story for a place.  My visits to London via her books have been a real delight, a highlight of my summer. 

I love, love, love the Love London series!

Picnics in Hyde Park is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

With thanks to the author who provided me with a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
 

Waiting on Wednesday- Picnics in Hyde Park by Nikki Moore

I'm so excited about Nikki Moore's Picnics in Hyde Park!  I've loved the whole of the Love London series and that's why this final instalment has been chosen as my Waiting on Wednesday for this week. Thankfully, it's published on 13th August- so I don't have long to wait!

The last story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore! The perfect novel for reading in the sunshine... and falling in love with London.

A summer to remember... or forget?

When Zoe Harper returns to the UK after five long years in New York, the last thing she expects is to find her younger sister Melody jobless, homeless, broke and dumped. Unfortunately, life has a way of delivering the unexpected. She should know that, given her ex-fiancé Greg’s faithless behaviour.

Filled with rage and determined to get revenge on the infamous Reilly brothers for her sister’s heartbreak, as well as get some answers, Zoe hatches plan Nannygate. Unfortunately that means moving in with the gorgeous but uncaring music producer Matt Reilly to be nanny to his two adorable, complicated children. But something isn’t adding up, and over the course of the hot London summer, she starts to think that perhaps Matt isn’t so bad after all.

Let down by his last nanny and weighed down with guilt about his wife’s death three years before, wealthy but camera-shy Matt has spent a long time pushing people away, including his own kids. His stunning new nanny challenges him every single day in completely different ways, but maybe that isn’t such a bad thing.

But what happens when you open your heart, and someone isn’t who you thought they were? And can it really be true love when it’s on the rebound, and starts off with a plan for revenge?

 

Out on 13^th August as an ebook, paperback to follow. Get it from only £2.99!

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PJBlfi

Kobo at https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/picnics-in-hyde-park-love-london-series 

Nook at http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/picnics-in-hyde-park-love-london-series-by-nikki-moore/9780007583249.

 

Strawberries at Wimbledon- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The fifth short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

The one that got away?

Sipping Pimms and eating fresh strawberries at Wimbledon are the perfect start to the British summer for Rayne. Immersed in her career as a journalist in the City, she's been too busy and distracted to give men – or other outside interests – much of a chance lately. That's something her friend Lily thinks she should correct, coming up with the perfect ‘sex with an ex’ solution – much to the amusement of the crowd on Centre Court!

When Rayne runs into old flame Adam, former good guy who is now all grown up with a hint of bad boy about him, it's a tempting thought. But is that such a good idea, when she knows that four years ago, she broke his heart?

Back from travelling the world and settling into running the family business, Adam never expected to see his university girlfriend again. And he definitely didn't think he would still be angry with her for running away, or that she would still have the same stunning effect on him. But she does, so maybe the perfect way to get her out of his dreams and from under his skin, is to have a hot sex-filled night with her? The only trouble is, one night might not be enough…

First love – can you ever go back?

The Review

I think I'm one of Nikki Moore's biggest fans, and as the last short in her #LoveLondon series was released on Thursday I knew I'd be glued to my kindle to fall in love with another supercute couple.

This time it was Rayne and Adam, old flames from their uni days who find themselves coincidentally sat together at Wimbledon.  I'm a fan of the 'the one that got away' trope, so expected to be reeled in by their story, and I wasn't wrong.  Strawberries at Wimbledon is told in the present day with flashbacks to scenes from university.  At times I had to concentrate to remind myself which time frame I was in, but mostly this was obvious by what was happening around them and the way the characters were behaving.

Rayne was fabulous, I could completely relate to her.  She's fragile and complex in one way, yet still a strong young woman with a fighting spirit.  Her friendship with Lily is an easy one and I loved that- it made me think of some of my own girlfriends who I know would be there for me through thick and thin, being honest and supportive.  I could happily have read a full length book about these two and their escapades (prequel, maybe?!)

Adam, on the other hand, didn't immediately strike me as my usual kind of hero.  He was a little bit more rough around the edges than my usual type (both in books and real life!) but as the story developed I had a greater understanding about events in his own life which made him like he was. As a character though he wasn't ever going to be challenging for one of my book boyfriends, he came across as too standoffish and spoilt for my liking in the sections set during university.  However, the modern day Adam was much more my kind of man, so maybe I could be swayed...

He might not be the sort of guy I'd go for, but that certainly doesn't mean I wasn't rooting for him and Rayne-after all, I love a love story!  This one was a bit more angsty than the rest of the series though, I felt like I'd been through the mill by the end and I'd swallowed down the lump in my throat on more than one occasion.  I'd been angry and emotional and I'd laughed at the more light hearted moments.  There was a bit of everything crammed into this novella.

I cannot emphasise enough how good a writer Nikki Moore is.  She creates characters with hidden depths and slowly reveals them to the reader in a delicate way, peeling back the layers until their true self is laid bare.  Honestly, the writing style is impeccable. 

I'm now counting down the sleeps until the release of the final book in the series (40 at the time of writing!), when the full length novel Picnics in Hyde Park is released next month.  Although how I'll fill the void left by this series is something I've not yet figured out an answer to.

Strawberries at Wimbledon is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

Cocktails in Chelsea- Nikki Moore HARPER IMPULSE FORTNIGHT

The Blurb

Nathan Black is on a mission to prove himself. His family may be upper class and his cousin Matt might be a famous music producer, but he's going to make it on his own. So as soon as he has enough money set aside, he's quitting his bar-tending job on the King's Road and opening up his own cocktail bar. He hasn't got time for love, and definitely not with the spoilt Chelsea Princesses who flirt with him shamelessly every night. But is there something a bit different about the pretty blonde who's just walked in?

 

Bournemouth girl Sofia Gold is reluctantly visiting old childhood friends in London for Easter weekend. Keenly aware she's not part of their glamorous world, she's more comfortable riding a surfboard than wearing designer dresses and towering heels… although she's always had a soft spot for cocktails.

 

It's never really bothered Sofia that she's 'one of the boys,' and that her romantic experiences have been amazingly unspectacular, so when she meets gorgeous Nathan, why does she find herself faking an accent and pretending to be a London socialite? It can't be anything to do with impressing him, can it? After all, she's only in the capital for a few days…

 

But one impulsive kiss later, they both find themselves wishing for things they didn't know they wanted.

 

The Review

 

I think it's fair to say I'm a bit of a fangirl when it comes to Nikki Moore and the Love London series is fast becoming one of my favourites.

 

I do love a bit of glitz and glamour (admittedly, most of it comes via books rather than in real life), so the Chelsea setting appealed to me.  Whilst I'm an out and out geek, I love watching Made in Chelsea and seeing all the posh bars and restaurants, and reading about Sofia and her friends heading out to the exclusive spots felt like watching an episode of that- all that was missing was a quirky hipster Proudlock type.  Sigh...I do love a hipster.

 

But, before I get too distracted, back to the book.

 

I liked Sofia from the off.  She's the typical reluctant party girl, going out to keep the peace even though she'd rather be out climbing up large rocks or surfing the waves-in fact, I think she'd rather be pretty much anywhere other than heading out on the town. 

 

There's an immediate frisson between her and barman Nathan.  He's interested in her despite the fact she's the sort of girl he sees all the time- dolled up to the nines and drinking elaborate cocktails.  Somehow though, he can see beyond that and is determined to know more. It is at this point that I warmed to him- until then I thought perhaps he lacked a bit of gumption and was the typical moody barman.  I definitely grew to like him more as the story developed.

 

I found Cocktails in Chelsea a bit saucier than the other Love London books, maybe that's partly because it's set at night, so offers itself to a sexier feel.  It's not really explicit, but it does have more of a NA feel compared to the chicklitty style of the previous books. 

 

If you're looking for a novella or quick read, then you must try Nikki Moore.  I can't wait for the next instalment of Love London!

 

Cocktails in Chelsea is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

And now, I'm delighted to welcome the fabulous Nikki Moore to Books with Bunny!

Hi  Bunny aka Kate - thanks so much for reviewing Cocktails in Chelsea, and loving the #LoveLondon series so much J

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing every story and am a bit sad that it’ll soon be coming to an end. One of the characters in each of the shorts is linked in some way to either Matt or Zoe, the main characters in Picnics in Hyde Park, the full length novel that will end the series. As much as it’s been fun, it’s also been hard work writing #LoveLondon and there’s a post on the challenges of writing a series on the Women Writers, Women(s) Books website at http://t.co/yjnrD202SS

I visited Chelsea last year after my lovely editor Charlotte commissioned me to write this series and I loved the vibe, although it’s not really, you know... me. My teenage daughter and my sister are devoted Made in Chelsea fans, and I’ve occasionally caught an episode and been amazed by (a) some of the behaviour (Spencer, you know who you are) and (b) how different the world they live in is to anything I’ve ever experienced.

So when I was creating this story I started thinking about people who come from different social classes, and the challenges that might bring to a relationship. The Human League song ‘Don’t You Want Me’ also kept running through my head. You know, the one that starts ‘You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar, when I met you...’ I put those things together, turned them on their head, threw in a few surprises, added a little piece of myself (I’m a Bournemouth girl at heart, love the beach, was a bit of a tomboy when I was younger and adored Tom Cruise in Cocktail) and drank a few cocktails (it was a sacrifice, believe me)...

Here’s a pic of a cocktail I particularly enjoyed.

 

I was aiming for a fun, springtime romantic read with Cocktails in Chelsea and from what bloggers and reviewers are saying I may have just about managed it J So I hope readers enjoy it. And it’s a bargain at only 49p!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cocktails-Chelsea-Short-Story-London-ebook/dp/B00MLR2IS2

Strawberries at Wimbledon, the fifth and last short story in the series, is out on 14 May. It’s about Adam and Rayne (university sweethearts) and whether you can ever go back and recapture that first love. It’s on pre-order at various e-tailers including Amazon via http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strawberries-Wimbledon-Short-Story-London-ebook/dp/B00P5V4TAG

 

 

 

Valentine's on Primrose Hill- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The third short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

For Georgiana Dunn, life changed forever in the devastating moment that the lorry hit her car.

Scarred and scared, she's not left the house in months.Then her mum buys her a puppy, forcing her to face the world again, walking on London's beautiful Primrose Hill. But that doesn't mean she's looking forward to Valentine's Day.

Leo devotes himself to working with children with special educational needs. In fact, he does very little else, and his friends are always telling him to get a (love) life. So when they challenge him to find a date for Valentine's Day, and he meets a lovely but lost girl who looks like she could use a friend, he thinks he's found the perfect solution.

But life has a way of being less than perfect … Will he be left standing on his own on the most romantic day of the year?  

The Review

Uh-oh.  I think I've got myself another book boyfriend.  In Valentine's on Primrose Hill, Nikki Moore has created a sweet, dog-loving, gentle hero in Leo.  He's gorgeously kind and just my type.  Sure,  I like an alpha male too on occasion, but mostly I'm about the shy, lovable type and Leo has that in abundance. 

However, the book's not just about him, it's about Georgiana.  She's been reclusive after a road traffic accident changed her life forever, and as she bravely ventures back into the world her confidence grows.  Meeting Leo on Primrose Hill takes her by surprise and before long they develop a friendship where they regularly text, share their likes and dislikes and they grow closer.

However, the course of true love never does run smooth- after a bump in the path of their relationship leaves Georgiana crushed, will they get together on Primrose Hill on the most romantic day of the year?

This is my favourite in the series so far, an absolute winner full of charm and the type of romance I adore- a love story between two ordinary people.

A gorgeous read.

Valentine's on Primrose Hill is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

New Year at the Ritz- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The second short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

New Year, New Love… or Old Love, New Start?

Everyone keeps telling Frankie Taylor that a new year is a time for new beginnings. She's not so sure. Single for six months, she's been more than happy on her own, thanks very much!

At least, that's what she thinks until she receives a note on New Year’s Eve inviting her to follow the clues, and her heart, across Knightsbridge.

But who's behind the romantic adventure? Old flame Christian who she loved for years and was always there for her, or new admirer and work colleague Zack, who has the habit of turning up in all sorts of unexpected places?

There's only one way she's going to find out…

The Review

I've got to start by saying this series was made for me.  I absolutely adore London, romance and quick reads, so I must be right up there as Nikki Moore's target market.  I read the first book in the series (although the link is the London setting- the stories themselves are stand alone) Skating at Somerset House last month and couldn't wait to read New Year at the Ritz.  I'd pressed 'buy now' on the Kindle as soon as I'd finished book one.

This time we meet Frankie.  She's had a tough time since her Mum died what with the break down of her long term relationship and the impact of an accident on her life.  Add to that that she lives above a stinking kebab shop and it's fair to say she feels pretty down on her luck.

All that changes when she's sent a New Year's Eve note from a secret admirer.  Frankie is baffled by the attention, but most of all she's intrigued.  Could it be her wealthy ex Christian trying to win her back?  Or the lovely, kindhearted Zack who's been there for her in her darkest time?

I loved the idea of a romantic trail of clues leading to a glamorous start to the new year, and it made for a quirky romantic novella. Frankie is the epitome of a woman who is stronger than she thinks and I found her easy to relate to throughout (although it's fair to say no man has ever treated me to the level of pampering she gets in the run up to meeting her date!). 

The fireworks over London as Big Ben strikes midnight is a big part of NYE for many people, and these final scenes where the romance frantically unfurled were satisfying in the extreme.  Although I'm left wanting so much more- please let there be an update on all the characters at some point!  I need to know if they got their 'happily ever after's'!

Whilst I enjoyed the first in the series more, New Year at the Ritz has the potential to sweep you off your feet and whisk you away to an opulent, indulgent place.

Go on, spoil yourself.  Because Nikki Moore is going to be big, and when she is, you can say 'I read her when...'

New Year at the Ritz is out now, published by Harper Impulse, an imprint of Harper Collins publishers.

Skating at Somerset House- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The first short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

There’s nothing Holly Winterlake loves more than Christmas and skating, so working as an Ice Marshall at London's Somerset House is a dream come true.
Noel Summerford hates the festive season and is a disaster on the ice, so taking his godson to Somerset House is his idea of the nightmare before Christmas!
Things are bound to get interesting when these two collide…
With a forty foot Christmas tree, an assortment of well meaning friends and relatives, and a mad chocolate Labrador, will this festive season be one to remember … or forget?

The Review

I first heard of Nikki Moore when I read the Be My Valentine short story collection last year.  I was immediately a huge fan of her writing (you can read what I thought here ), and was thrilled to hear Harper Impulse were publishing a collection of her novellas.  The Love London series starts with Skating at Somerset House and it's fair to say this first instalment was worth the wait.  Nikki Moore writes books I find really easy to read, her style is natural and flowing with a fast paced dialogue.

Noel, the male lead, is a bit of a grumpy Grinch-reluctantly taking his godson ice skating at the beautiful Somerset House in the run up to Christmas.  However, it doesn't take long for him to notice Holly Winterlake, a lover of all things festive.  Formerly a star skater, now a marshall on the ice rink, Holly is also attracted to Noel. They might not share a love of Christmas, but as they get to know each other better over luxury hot chocolates it's obviously the start of something special.

The story is a bit of a When Harry Met Sally- the reader knows love is blooming before the characters do- and despite the frosty, winter setting it's a cosy read that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.  I wasn't feeling well when I read this and it gave me a boost-so much so that I had to tweet the author to say thank you for perking me up!  Personally, I wasn't keen on both the main characters having wintery names, but other than that it was pretty darn perfect. 

This is a fun, festive read that has definitely whetted my appetite for the rest of the series!

I received a galley copy of this book in return for an honest review.

 

Skating at Somerset House- Nikki Moore

This looks like such a fun read for those long winter nights!  I can't wait to get stuck in!

 

 

Out on 4th December

Book 1, #LoveLondon Series; Skating at Somerset House by Nikki Moore

There’s nothing Holly Winterlake loves more than Christmas and skating, so working as an Ice Marshall at London's Somerset House is a dream come true.

Noel Summerford hates the festive season and is a disaster on the ice, so taking his godson to Somerset House is his idea of the nightmare before Christmas!

Things are bound to get interesting when these two collide…

With a forty foot Christmas tree, an assortment of well meaning friends and relatives, and a mad chocolate Labrador, will this festive season be one to remember … or forget?

 

Available to buy at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skating-Somerset-House-Love-London-ebook/dp/B00P5V4T4C

More books in the #LoveLondon series coming soon!

Released over December 14 to May 15 by HarperImpulse;

Bk 2, New Year at The Ritz (Short Story)

Bk 3, Valentine's on Primrose Hill (Short Story)

Bk 4, Cocktails in Chelsea (Short Story)

Bk 5, Strawberries at Wimbledon (Short Story)

Bk 6, Picnics in Hyde Park, (Novel)